Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

If you’re aiming to get comfortable with managing both airspeed and altitude in flight, you’ll need to understand the difference between indicated airspeed (IAS) and true airspeed (TAS). Key Takeaways Airspeed and altitude are directly linked to each other throughout different phases of your flight.

True Airspeed

Professional Pilot

JULY 7, 2025

However, they underestimated their climb from the lift off point and, with the sluggish rate of climb, the saddle ridge across the departure path suddenly became a dangerous obstacle they might not clear. Every pilot knows that aircraft fly because the forces of lift and thrust balance or exceed the weight and drag countering them.

Density Altitude

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2025

Key Takeaways Air density affects aircraft performance, including lift, engine power, and propeller effectiveness. High-density altitude reduces aircraft performance, requiring flight adjustments. These include lift, propeller thrust, and engine combustion. Fewer air molecules result in less dense air, which means less lift.

Density Altitude

Air

MAY 21, 2025

Can cause sudden losses or gains in indicated airspeed (IAS), directly affecting lift. Effects: An aircraft flying through a microburst might first encounter a strong headwind (increasing IAS), then a powerful downdraught, followed by a sudden and severe tailwind (causing a dangerous loss of IAS and lift).

Crosswind